Glider

ABSTRACT

A glider that produces a gliding motion using a plurality of cooperating components. The glider may include a seat for receiving one or more users and a frame connected to the seat for supporting the seat including the weight of the one or more users on the seat. One or more wheel members may be provided and connected to the frame. The apparatus may further include a base surface that is engaged by the wheels. The base surface and the wheels may have generally corresponding configurations so as to produce a back and forth gliding motion within a predefined movement range as the wheels roll on the base surface when the glider is subject to a movement force. The frame transmits the gliding motion to the one or more users in the seat. The glider can also have a mechanism that ensures that the glider returns to a central position in its movement range once a movement force has been stopped.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/588,180, filed Jul. 15, 2004, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to seating apparatus and, moreparticularly, to glider incorporating a seat that may produce a glidingor rocking motion for the enjoyment of one or more individuals seatedthereon.

Aspects of the present invention may have numerous applications. Forexample, there are a variety of products in the market that help to calmor placate a child or lull a child to sleep. Examples of such devicesinclude cradles, rockers, cribs, bouncy chairs and swings. Some of thesedevices include features to impart sensations such as vibration orbouncing on a child to further entertain or soothe a child. Anothersensation that may be relaxing for children is a gliding motion;however, there are no devices among children's products that may imparta gliding sensation to a child seated or laying on the device.

A device according to aspects of the present invention is not limited touse with children because the sensation of gliding may be relaxing andenjoyable for individuals of any age. Thus, aspects of the presentinvention may be applied to almost any furniture including, but notlimited to, outdoor furniture, such as porch or patio gliders, andhammocks, and/or indoor items such as couches, chaises or chairs.Current gliders may suffer from several drawbacks including havingstructure that overhangs the seat portion of the glider, which, in somesettings, may not be beneficial.

In light of the above, objects of the invention relate to providing anovel and improved apparatus to impart a gliding motion on an occupantseated on the apparatus. Another object of the invention includesapplying such an apparatus to sundry furniture products. Yet anotherobject of the invention is to provide a device for automaticallygenerating the desired motion at selective settings. Still anotherobject of the invention is to provide child products that selectivelyglide, bounce and vibrate. One or more of these and other objects of theglider of the present invention are addressed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus that produces a glidingmotion in a novel way. A glider according to aspects of the presentinvention may include a seat for receiving one or more users and a frameconnected to the seat for supporting the seat including the weight ofthe one or more users on the seat. One or more wheel members may beprovided and connected to the frame. The apparatus may further include abase surface that is engaged by the wheels. The base surface and thewheels may have generally corresponding configurations so as to producea back and forth gliding motion within a predetermined movement range asthe wheels roll on the base surface when the glider is subject to amovement force. The frame and seat transmit the gliding motion to theone or more users in the seat. The present invention uses a mechanismthat ensures that the glider returns to an initial position once themovement force has been stopped.

The wheel members may roll on tracks, which replicates the feel of aswing or glider as it moves back and forth, but without the bulkyconfiguration of ropes, chains or linkages. The tracks may be curved sothat they are higher at each end, and lower in the middle. Thisarrangement replicates the energy efficiency of a swing or glider. Thisefficiency exists because kinetic energy is created as the wheels movealong the track toward the lower middle point. The energy is then usedto aid the wheels in climbing up the track toward the higher end point,as new potential energy is created to enable the wheels to roll backdown toward the middle point of the track again.

Wheel members may be provided to each side of the seat, and may belinked by linkage rods. The linkage rods may act to index the wheels oneach side of the seat together, to eliminate twisting and bending of theseat and also to allow energy to be distributed to both sides of theapparatus evenly.

A self-centering mechanism may be provided to center the glider in themid-point of its motion when stopped. This may also protect the drivemechanism by allowing the input link to overrun the glider assemblymotion or vice versa. The self-centering mechanism may include a cycleswitch to cut off power to the wheel members only when the gear ismid-cycle and the seat is at its lowest point. This allows the seat tobe moved manually with a motion that feels unrestricted as if no motoror gear mechanism were attached to the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a glider according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base of a glider according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3-9 are various views of a gear mechanism as used in a glideraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a glider according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a glider according to still another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a glider according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view a frame used in a glider according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view a frame used in a glider according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15-18 are side views of frames used in a glider according todifferent embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a close-up view of an axle connected to a frame according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a close-up view of an axle connected to a frame according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a base of a glider according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a close-up view of a housing of a glider according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a glider as incorporated into a cradleaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a glider as incorporated into a bounceraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a glider as incorporated into a highchair according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a glider as incorporated into a rockeraccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is more particularly described in the followingdescription and examples that are intended to be illustrative only sincenumerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. As used in the specification and in the claims, thesingular form “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in thespecification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include theembodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

Aspects of the present invention relating to a glider for one or moreindividuals are described below. Embodiments according to aspects of thepresent invention as set forth in the detailed description are intendedonly as exemplary. While embodiments according to aspects of theinvention are shown in FIGS. 1-23, the present invention is not limitedto the illustrated structure or application.

Again, aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus thatproduces a gliding motion in a novel way. A glider according to aspectsof the present invention may include a seat for receiving one or moreusers and a frame connected to the seat for supporting the seatincluding the weight of the one or more users on the seat. One or morewheel members may be provided and connected to the frame. The apparatusmay further include a base surface that is engaged by the wheels. Thebase surface and the wheels may have generally correspondingconfigurations so as to produce a back and forth gliding motion within apredetermined movement range as the wheels roll on the base surface whenthe glider is subject to a movement force. The frame and seat transmitthe gliding motion to the one or more users in the seat. The presentinvention uses a mechanism that ensures that the glider returns to aninitial position once the movement force has been stopped.

The glider may further include a housing for enclosing all or a portionof the seat, frame, wheels and/or base surface. Further, the embodimentsaccording to aspects of the present invention may include a control unitfor motorized and possibly adjustable operation of the glider. Aspectsof the glider may be applied to products for infants, toddlers orchildren (hereafter collectively referred to as “child” or “children”),but the scope of the invention is not so limited as the invention may beused to create a gliding motion with almost any type of furniture suchas couches or chairs as will be discussed below.

As set forth more specifically in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIGS.2-9, the gilder of the present invention includes a seat frame formed ofa first frame part 29 and a second frame part 30. The seat frame issupported by a base. The base includes a left inner housing member 31and a right inner housing member 32 that each have a cover 3 to form twobase housings, one at each side of the seat frame. Enclosed within therespective housings are a carriages 4 that include one or more means forconnecting to and supporting the seat frame (which may be seen invarious alternative embodiments in FIGS. 14-19) on which a glider seatmay rest. In this embodiment, the connecting means are holes, though itis contemplated that any other suitable means for connecting seat frameparts 29, 30, the carriages 4 may be used including, but not limited to,fasteners, such as bolts, screws, nails, adhesives and the like. Thebase housings 31, 32, 3 may also include one or more feet 33 on whichthe glider may rest. Also, connector tubes or rods 27 may be used toconnect the left and right housings to one another.

The carriages 4 are the members that glide with respect to the basehousings. As may be seen, there is an opening in each housing permittingthe carriage to “glide” or move back and forth. Each carriage 4includes, in the illustrated embodiment, two wheels 2 that are connectedto the carriage 4 using axles 1. The wheels 2 are each constrained androll on a track 34. As shown in FIG. 1, the track 34 has a curved shape.The curved shape of the track 34 may include an arc that is a portion ofan elliptical, spherical, parabolic or hyperbolic curve, or may have anyother suitable shape. The curvature of the track 34 retains the wheels 2and permits the glider to come to come to rest at a set position whennot in use and/or when no power is being supplied to the glider. Thetracks 34 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a plasticmaterial to ensure smooth running of the wheels 162 thereon.

As an example, the track may be curved such that it provides the sensethat the device is extended from a 15 inch pendulum, although it isunderstood that the invention is not limited in this regard; by usingthis arrangement, the present invention is safer to use than othergliding arrangements, in part, due to the curved or arced shape of thetrack 34. The tracks 34 may be curved so that they are higher at eachend, and lower in the middle. This arrangement replicates the energyefficiency of a swing or glider. This efficiency exists because kineticenergy is created as the wheels move along the track toward the lowermiddle point. The energy is then used to aid the wheels in climbing upthe track toward the higher end point, as new potential energy iscreated to enable the wheels to roll back down toward the middle pointof the track again. If a flat track is used, there would be no period ofoscillation, and any positive energy in one direction would need to bestopped or dissipated before the wheel is returned in the otherdirection. As such, if a flat track is to be used, or a curved trackthat is not higher at each end thereof, modifications in the glider maybe necessary. The glider is selected to operate on any period that maybe desired. In one embodiment, the glider may have a period of about 1.4seconds per oscillation. Of course, any suitable oscillatory period maybe employed in the glider, and the tracks 34 may be designedaccordingly.

The carriages 4 may be moved using a gear mechanism that, in oneembodiment, is designed to cause the glider to always stop moving at thecenter of the stroke when no power is being supplied to the glider.Therefore, the glider may be moved manually back-and-forth as opposed toor as well as using a battery or other means of powering the device. Thegear mechanism may be any suitable mechanism that will allow operationof the glider using a motor, or manual operation, and will allow theglider to stop at the center of its movement range.

One embodiment of a gear mechanism and driving assembly is shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 3-9. The gear mechanism includes a motor 23housed in a motor housing having a front 25 and a back 21, and one ormore shafts 22 protruding through the motor housing front 25 and back21. The motor housing may also include one or more rubber mountings 24.The gear mechanism is shown as being in the left housing 31, though itis contemplated that in alternative embodiments, the gear mechanism maybe located in the right housing 32.

The motor 23 may be controlled by a control switch 26. The motor 23 isin the illustrated embodiment connected to one shaft 22 which may drivea gear mechanism having a small pulley 15, a large pulley 14, and adrive belt 13 connecting the small and large pulleys 15, 14, all locatedon the motor housing front 25. The large pulley 14 may be connected to ashaft 22 extending through the motor housing to the motor housing back21. A gear mechanism located at the back 21 of the motor housing isdriven by the pulley 14, and includes a small pulley 38 mounted on theshaft 22, a drive belt 39 and a large pulley 40. Large pulley 40 ismounted on another shaft 22, which extends through motor housing to thefront 25 of the housing, on which is mounted a small gear 16. Gear 16can be meshed with a larger driving gear 12, to which a linkage 5 ispivotally connected. The driving gear 12 may be mounted on a furthershaft 22, to which a bushing 20 may be connect at the back 21 of themotor housing.

The linkage 5 may be connected to a self-centering linkage 6, which inturn may be pivotally connected to a drive linkage 10. Theself-centering linkage 6 and the drive linkage 10 may each include astop which acts against the arms of a centering spring 7, which may beinterposed between the self-centering linkage 6 and the drive linkage10. The stops on the linkages 6 and 10 may each include grooves so thatthe arms of the spring 7 rest securely against the stops. The arms ofthe centering spring 7 transmit the motion of the centering linkage 6 tothe drive linkage 10 such that, upon rotation of the driving gear 12,the linkage 5 causes backwards and forwards motion of self-centeringlinkage 6, spring 7 and drive linkage 10. In turn, movement of the drivelinkage 10 drives the wheel carriage 4 through a roller 9 that may bemounted on a pin 8 to a free end of the drive linkage 10. The roller 9may be received in a recess 37 in the wheel carriage 34. The motor 23thus provides a moving force to move the carriages 4, and hence theglider. The drive linkage 10 may be designed to impart a smooth glidingmotion to the seat frame 29, 30, and hence to a seat 112 supportedthereby, or may be designed to in addition impart another motion to theseat 112 such as a vertical or bouncing motion and/or a vibratorymotion. These additional motions may be imparted by any suitable method.For example, a bouncing motion may be provided by a deviation orexcursion in the travel of the drive link 10. A vibratory motion may beprovided by an eccentric weight attached to the drive link. Theself-centering linkage 6 and the centering spring 7 may be pivotallymounted to an elongated axle 36. The axle 36 may extend through aconnecting rod 27 which extends between and connects together the twohousing sections. A second drive linkage 35 may be attached to the endof axle 36, to drive the opposite wheel carriage 4 via a second roller 9and pin 8. The linkages index the wheels 2 on each side of the glider toeliminate twisting and bending of the seat 112. A second connecting rod27 may also extend between the housing sections, and may include anelectrical connection. The electrical connection may extend from themotor 23 to the battery provided in the opposite housing section. Abattery housing 28 may be included to cover the battery. Of course, theelectrical connection may be connected to an external power source, orthe battery may be provided in the same housing section as the motor 23.

The self-centering linkage 6 provides a mechanism that allows the glider110 to be operated independently of the motor 23. Additionally, theself-centering linkage 6, in combination with a cycle switch 17, allowsthe seat 112 to always come to rest in a central position when theglider 110 is operated by the motor 23. If a user applies a movementforce to the seat 112 forwards or backwards by pushing on the seat 112manually, this causes the wheels 2 to be moved forwards or backwards inwheel tracks 34. Such a movement of the wheels 2 also causes movement ofthe roller 9 mounted on the drive linkage 10, as the recess in eachwheel carriage 34 pushes on the roller 9. The movement of drive linkage10 causes one of the arms of the centering spring 7 to move outwardly,depending on the direction of movement of the seat 12. As the arms ofthe spring 7 are not attached to the self-centering linkage 6, butmerely rest against the stops provided on the linkage 6, and as theresistance to movement of the driving gear 12 is greater than the forcerequired to open the arms of the spring 7, this movement of the drivelinkage 10 does not cause movement of the self-centering linkage 6, andtherefore does not affect the motor 23. When the seat 112 reaches theend of its travel, and the user lets go, or pushes it in the otherdirection, both gravity acting on the wheels 2 in tracks 34 and theforce of the arms of the centering spring 7 closing act to move drivelinkage 10 back to its neutral or central position. In alternativearrangements, the mechanism allowing the glider to come to a stop in acentral position in its movement range may include one or more springsand/or resilient compressible materials connected to ends of the housingand which act to recenter the glider when a movement force is removed.Yet further, in other alternative arrangements, the mechanism allowingthe glider to come to a stop in a central position in its movement rangemay simply be an arrangement of the curved track 34 and wheels 2 thatallows gravity and potential energy of the wheels 2 located at the endsof the track to continue the movement of the glider to a centralposition of the track. This may be achieved due to the relativefrictional engagement between the wheels and the track, or may beachieved by having a track that is curved steeply enough at the ends sothat the wheels 2 have a tendency to roll towards the lower, centralportion of the track.

The gear mechanism also features a self-centering function, and alwayscomes to a stop at the center of the stroke after operation of themotor. This ensures that subsequent manual operation of the glider iseasier for a user to accomplish. The gear mechanism includes a cycleswitch 17 having two contacts 18 and 19. The cycle switch may be in theform of a generally circular electrically conducting plate or ring thatmay be attached to one of the gears of the gear mechanism, typically tothe driving gear 12. The cycle switch 17 may include a cut-out portion.As the gears of the gear mechanism revolve, the cut-out portionrepeatedly cuts the contact between the contacts 18 and 19. This doesnot affect operation of the motor while the motor 23 is running.However, if the control switch 26 is switched to the “off” condition,the cycle switch 17 maintains the motor 23 in the “on” condition untilcut-out portion has completed its revolution to the position that thecontact between contacts 18 and 19 is cut. The cycle switch 17 thuscompletes the switching off of the motor 23, but ensures that the gearmechanism, and hence the drive linkage 10 and seat 112 are returned to acentral position before the motor 23 stops. The centering action may beaided by the self-centering spring 6.

The glider may include a power switch 26. In alternative embodiments,the power switch may be a control switch. In still other alternativeembodiments, the power switch may be a variable resister that permitsconsistent movement of the glider depending on the strength of the powersource.

Various mechanisms may be provided to ensure silent running of theglider 110, to prevent its operation from disturbing the occupantthereof. For example, feet 33 may be provided, and may be made of arubberized or silicon type material to prevent the transmission ofvibrations to the floor. Bushings 20 and rubber mountings 24 may act tovibrationally isolate the motor 23 from the housing. Other mechanismsmay also be used, such as insulation of the motor housing 25.

As noted above, the glider may include any of a number of additionalcomponents and/or various alternative embodiments. For example, as shownin FIG. 10, a glider 100 may have a seat 112 for accommodating one ormore individuals. The seat 112 may include all or a portion of a chair,couch, bed, high-chair, rocker, swing, bouncer, bassinette, cradle,crib, or car-seat. The seat 112 may be any device or surface so long asit may receive and/or hold one or more users and/or support the weightof one or more users. In one aspect, the seat may be ergonomicallydesigned and contoured so as to comfortably receive a user.

The seat 112 may be a single part or it may be an assemblage of parts.In addition, the seat 112 may be made from various materials including,for example, wood, metal, foam, plastics and fabrics. The seat 112 maybe made of a single material or it may include two or more materialsincluding any combination of the above-listed materials. As shown inFIG. 12, for example, the seat 112 may comprise a frame 114, such as ametal wire frame, around which and/or to which a fabric cloth 116 issecured. The seat 112 may also include full or partial coverings such asa fabric, leather or plastic covering or upholstery. For example, theseat 112 may be a molded plastic with a fabric covering to make thesurface more comfortable and visually attractive. Alternatively, theseat 112 may further include padding or cushioning material to providefurther comfort.

The seat 112 may further include a variety of associated features. Forexample, the seat 112 may be adjustable such as having the ability torecline. In addition, the seat 112 may be collapsible for compactstorage and shipping. The seat 112 may have occupant restraints likeseat belts, or the seat 112 may have a foot rest. Furthermore, the seat112 may include built-in or attachable toys, mobiles or music players.

The seat 112 is attached to a frame 114, which supports the seat 112 andtransmits the gliding motion of one or more wheels 120 to the seat 112.The seat 112 may be attached to the frame 114 either in a direct orindirect manner. Direct attachment may include, as examples, welding orbrazing; alternatively, the connection may be something less permanentin nature such as by any of a number of fasteners including screws,cotter pins, and adhesives, to name a few. In one embodiment, the seat112 is provided with female receptacles 113 (FIG. 10) for receivingsubstantially mating portions of the frame 114 such that the seat may beremovably placed onto the frame 114. In such case, additional securementfeatures may be employed including at least any of the previously-listedfasteners.

The frame 114 may be made of numerous materials such as plastic, woodand metal, including resilient materials. The frame 114 may take onnumerous configurations; it may comprise a single piece, or it maycomprise an assembly of two or more components. For example, as shown inFIG. 13, the frame 114 may be a single piece of resilient metal rod orwire that is bent into a desired shape. FIG. 14 illustrates anotherembodiment in which the frame 114 includes two wire rod members 122.Each rod member 122 includes a generally horizontal straight portion 124and a curved portion 126 that curves generally upwardly and generallybackward. The curve 126 may have any of a variety of shapes which may bedictated by engineering concerns or by decorative choices, depending onthe particular application. The rod members 122 may be disposedgenerally opposite each other, substantially parallel or otherwise suchas converging toward or diverging away from each other.

In one embodiment, the two rod members 122 may serve as side members ofthe frame 114. In such case, connecting rods 128 may extend between therod members 122 to form a base portion 130 of the frame assembly and toprovide structural support. In this case or in any construction in whichmultiple parts are used, the frame assembly may be secured together bywelding or brazing. Alternatively, the side rods 122 and connecting rods128 may be joined by any of a number of connectors 132. Examples ofconnectors 132 include screws, T-fittings and adhesives. In addition,the connectors 132 may provide slots, recesses, grooves or holes intowhich the ends of the connecting rods 128 and/or rod members 122 mayfit. The connectors 132 may also be part of the wheel mounting hardwareas discussed below. Further, the frame assembly 114 may be joined usingany combination of at least the above described fasteners.

Further variants of the frame may include side rod members 122 which areshown in FIGS. 15-18. FIGS. 15 and 18 show that rod member 122 may havea generally horizontal portion 124 or a generally arc-shaped portion 134similar to the base legs on a rocking chair. Furthermore, depending onthe application, the side rod members 122 may have bends on both theforward and rearward ends 136, 138 respectively, as shown in FIGS.17-18. For example, as noted above, the forward ends 136 of the sidemembers 122 may be reverse bent to extend generally upwardly andgenerally rearwardly. Similarly, the aft ends 138 of the side members122 may be reverse bent to extend generally upwardly and generallyforwardly. Both bent ends 136, 138 may be used to provide additionalconnection points to a seat 112 such as, for example, a high chair.Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the bends 140 in the sidemembers 122 may take on any form such as a relatively simple curve,transitioning from a generally horizontal portion to the desired bendangle. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16-17, the side rod members 122may have a variety of additional bends and/or curves 142 to achievedesired mechanical properties or to provide a generally more pleasant orunique appearance.

According to aspects of the invention, the frame 114 may also be used toform part of the seat 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the seat112 may be made of upper and lower resilient wire frame sections f1 andf2, respectively. The lower frame f2 may be in the form of a generallyhorizontal base 144 provided with opposite side members 146 whichdiverge forwardly from a common cross member 148 in the form of a tube.The forward ends 150 of the side members may be reverse bent to extendupwardly and rearwardly for connection into the upper wire frame f1. Inturn, the upper wire frame f1 may have side portions 152 converging intoa common, rounded upper back portion 154, and a leg portion 156 mayextend forwardly from the lower ends of the side portions 146. Aflexible covering 158 may be removably positioned on the upper frame f1and leg portions 156.

Again, the above examples of the frame 114 are only intended asexemplary. The frame 114 may have a multitude of shapes, sizes,constructions, etc., so long as it at least provides a support for theseat 112 as well as the weight of an occupant. The particularapplication at hand will dictate the specific construction andconfiguration of the frame 114. The frame 114 also serves as a structureto which one or more wheels is connected.

A glider 110 accordingly to aspects of the present invention may includeone or more wheels 170. While the term “wheel” may suggest structuresthat are generally round or disk-like, the wheels used in the gliders ofthe present invention are not so limited. For example, the wheels 170,in cross-section, may generally be at least any of the following:circular, semi-circular, oblong, oval, semi-oval, elliptical,semi-elliptical, polygonal, semi-polygonal, triangular, or hour-glass.The wheels 170 may also be any combination of these shapes. For example,the wheel 170 may be triangular at one end and rounded at its base orengaging end. Moreover, the above cross-sectional shapes may describethe overall cross-sectional shape of the wheel 170 or it may describethe cross-sectional shape of the wheel 170 in a localized area.

In a three-dimensional sense, the one or more wheels 170 may be any of avariety of general configurations including but not limited to a disk,cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, spherical, hemispherical, conical,frusto-conical, polygonal, semi-polygonal, or hour-glass. Again, thewheels 170 may be any of these shapes, overall or locally. The wheels170 may have any shape so long as they cooperate with other componentsof the glider 110 to achieve a desired gliding motion.

The wheels 170 may be made of any material including but not limited tometals, rubber, wood, but plastics are particularly well suited. Thewheels 170 may be a single, solid piece, or they may be made of severalpieces. As an example, the wheel 170 may comprise a ring connected to agenerally central hub by a plurality of spokes. The specific applicationand engineering considerations will dictate the appropriate geometry ofthe wheels 170.

Any number of wheels 170 may be used. For example, embodiments of thepresent invention may employ only one wheel 170. In one such case, asingle wheel 170 could be, for example, semi-cylindrical inconfiguration, extending across a majority of the bottom of the frame114. Naturally, more than one wheel 170 may be used. In one embodiment,four wheels 170 may be used, two on each side of the frame 114. Anyquantity of wheels 170 may be used, and, in the case of more than onewheel 170, the wheels 170 need not be identical to each other; that is,the wheels 170 may have different shapes so long as the desired glidingeffect is produced. In short, the number and size of the wheels 170 willbe dictated by the particular application at hand.

There are many ways in which the wheels 170 may be connected to theframe 114. The attachment may be directly to the frame 114 or theattachment may be indirect such as by interposing an intermediatemember. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the frame 114 mayprovide a laterally protruding axle 172 on which the wheels 170 may bemounted laterally adjacent to the frame 114. Each wheel 170 may operateindependently of the other wheels such as by providing each wheel 170with a respective axle 172. Alternatively, at least two wheels 170 mayoperate in conjunction on a common axle. Still other arrangements arepossible for connecting the wheels 170 to the frame 114. For example, ifthe wheels 170 are disposed generally below the frame 114, the glider110 may have wheels 170 in the form of casters which mount into theunderside of the frame 114. The wheels 170 may be attached to any membercomprising the frame 114 and it is further possible for the wheels 170to be attached to the seat 112. With respect to embodiments of the frame114 discussed above, the wheels 170 may be attached to the side rodmembers 122 or the cross-bar members 128 or, preferably, at eachjunction 129 (FIG. 14) of the side rod members and the cross-barmembers. Again, the wheels 170 may be generally located anywhererelative to the frame 114 so long as the wheels 170 may cooperate with abase surface 190 to set the frame and seat in a gliding motion.

Aspects of the present invention further relate to a base surface 190for engaging and cooperating with the wheels 170 to create a desiredgliding motion or effect. In one embodiment, the base surface 190 may besubstantially planar and/or generally horizontal (FIG. 11). In anotherembodiment, the base surface 190 may be generally planar but may furtherinclude recesses, notches, grooves, tracks, rails 192 in which or onwhich the wheels may roll (FIG. 10). The recesses 192 may be anyconfiguration so long as it provides a relatively smooth surface uponwhich the wheels may roll to produce the desired gliding effect. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the base surface 190 may be asubstantially horizontal surface such as a floor, porch or tabletop. Insuch case, the wheels 170 of the glider 110 may be generally elliptical.The elliptical wheels 170 engage the substantially horizontal basesurface 190 such that the wheels 170 rock back and forth on the surface190 to create a gliding motion. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 10, thewheels 170 are generally round. Accordingly, elliptical recesses 192 areprovided in the base surface 190 so as to glidingly receive the wheels170 of the glider. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, thebase surface 190 may be generally vertically oriented and laterallyadjacent to the frame 114. Cutouts 194 may be provided in the basesurface 190 to form a path for the wheels 170, which are inserted intoand follow along the cutouts 194. One example would be to providehour-glass shaped wheels 170 with the central portion engaging thethickness of the cutout 194 in the base surface 190. Regardless of thespecific configuration, the surface 190 may be made of any material suchas plastic, wood, rubber, metal, but plastics are preferred.

The base surface 190 may be a continuous surface, such as a table, butit need not be a continuous surface. For example, in an embodiment ofthe invention where there are four wheels, two on each side of theframe, two tracks may be provided along each side member of the frame onwhich a pair of wheels may roll or rock. Alternatively, a track could beprovided for the rear two wheels and a track for the front pair ofwheels. Further, a track may be provided for each wheel. Yet further,the base surface 190 may be a set of discrete surfaces, each surfacededicated to a particular wheel. The surface 190 may be at least any ofthese possible surfaces and combination thereof. It will thus beappreciated that the term “base surface” used herein and in the claimsis intended to cover both a single surface, discrete surfaces and atrack or tracks with which the wheel members 170 interact, and that theterm “base surface” is not intended to be limited in this regard.

Aspects of the invention may further include a housing 200, an exampleof which is shown in FIG. 21, for enclosing substantially all or aportion of the frame 114 so as to provide a pleasing aestheticappearance, to prevent tampering, and/or to provide safety by preventingchildren from accessing the wheels of the glider, thus preventingcrushed or pinched fingers. The housing 200 may further enclose all or aportion of the wheels 170 and base surface 190 as well. The housing 200may be made of any material including wood, metal, plastic, or anycombination of such materials.

The housing 200 may have any of a number of shapes, and it may be madeof one or more parts. In one embodiment, the housing comprises an upperportion 202 (not shown) and a lower portion 204. The lower portion mayaccommodate the base surface 190 upon which the wheels 170 glide.Depending on the location of the wheels 170 relative to the frame, thebase surface 190 may be provided in the bottom of the lower housing 204or it may comprise a side wall of the lower housing 204.

The lower housing 204 may enclose a portion of the frame 114 including,as an example, the cross-members 128 and the generally horizontalportion 124 of the side rod members 122. The upper housing 202 isgenerally disposed on above the lower housing 204. The upper housingportion 202 may overlap all or a part of the interior or exterior sidewalls of the lower housing portion 204. The lower and upper housings202, 204 may be secured in any of a number of manners including, by wayof example, hinges, screws, latches, etc.

Any of the above-described gliders may be operated manually by pushingon the glider or by pulling and releasing it or by an occupant pushingoff with his feet. Aspects of the glider of the present inventionfurther relate to a control unit 210 for automatically operating theglider 110. The control unit 210 may be powered by a self-containedpower source such as a battery or it may receive power from an externalsource such as being plugged into a wall socket. The control unit 210may include a motor drive having an output shaft which may have a drivepulley mounted thereon.

The control unit 210 may be coupled anywhere to the frame 114. In oneembodiment, the control unit 210 may be connected to one of the side barmembers 122 of the frame 114. Preferably, the control unit 210 may bedisposed at least partially within the housing 200. The control unit 210may additionally be secured to the housing 200 using screws, bolts, andadhesive, to name a few. The housing 200 may provide control switches,dials or knobs 206 that may be operatively associated with the controlunit 210 so as to allow a user to interface with the control unit 210and operate the glider 110. As shown in FIG. 22, for example, thehousing 200 may include knobs, buttons, switches, etc., 212 for variousfeatures including on/off, movement control functions and/or speedcontrol. Thus, when a user depresses for example the on/off button, inaddition to effectuating the gliding motion, the control unit 210 may beused to impart other effects such as vibrating and bouncing on the oneor more users of the glider. Such aspects are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,378,940 B1 and 6,431,646 B1, which are incorporated herein byreference at least with regard to these aspects. Preferably, in oneembodiment, the housing 200 includes a switch that may be selectivelyoperated by an operator to selectively create one of the three desiredeffects.

Having described the individual components that may be used according toaspects of the present invention, one illustrative manner in which thesecomponents may be assembled is described below. The described assemblysteps may be performed in almost any order and not every step describedmust occur.

First, a lower housing 204 is provided including, along at least aportion of the inner bottom surface of the lower housing, two separate,generally planar surfaces 190 for engaging the wheels 170 of the glider.Next, the frame 114 may be assembled. The frame may include, forexample, two side rod members 122 joined by two connecting rods 128 inany of the previously described manners. Round wheels 170 may be securedto the underside of the frame 114 at each junction 129 at which of theconnecting rods meet 128 with the side rod members 122. After assembly,the frame 114 may be placed inside of the lower housing 204 such that atleast the generally horizontal portion 124 of the side bars 122 may bedisposed within the housing 200 and such that the wheels 170 engage theplanar surfaces 190. The control unit 210 may be assembled and placedand/or mounted inside of the lower housing 204. The control unit 210 maybe operatively associated with one or more user interface knobs, buttonsand/or switches on the exterior of the housing 200. Next the top cover202 may be placed to close the housing 200 such that the rearwardly andupwardly curved end portions 126 of the two side rod members 122 extendout from the housing 200. The seat 112 may be connected to the framesuch as by providing female receptacles for receiving at least a portionof the ends 126 of the two side rod members 122.

Having described the individual components that may be used and a mannerin which the components may be assembled, illustrative manners in whicha glider according to aspects of the present may be used will now bedescribed. The following descriptions merely provide examples of usesand are not intended as an exhaustive list.

The assembled glider according to aspects of the present invention maybe operated in any of a number of ways. First, a person sits or isplaced in the seat portion of the glider. Once the person is situated,the glider may be activated manually by directly pushing a portion ofthe glider by hand or indirectly by a user pushing off the floor with afoot or by pulling the glider forward or backward and then releasing.Thus, the wheels 170, such as elliptical wheels, will be set into a backand forth rocking motion without ever making a complete revolution.Alternatively, the wheels 170 may be elliptical and designed to makecomplete revolutions so that the gliding motion is made by travel of thewheels 170 along a track or base surface, and a and up and down orbouncing motion may be imparted due to the shape of the wheels 170. Whenthe wheels are, for example, generally circular, cylindrical orspherical, it may be acceptable for the wheel to make one or morecomplete revolutions. It should be noted that while the preferredgliding motion occurs from front to back, it is possible to configurethe glider to glide laterally from side to side. Naturally, when theglider is activated manually, the operator will have to periodicallyreactivate the glider or else the motion will cease. Preferably, thewheels 70 and the base surface 90 cooperate in a low friction manner,because of material selection or because of the addition of a lubricantto either or both of these components, so as to provide a smoothergliding motion of longer duration.

Alternatively, if the control unit is provided, the user may activatethe glider by pressing a button. In such case, the user may furthercontrol the speed at which the apparatus glides. When finished with theglider, a person may turn the motor off by opening the switch throughthe on/off button. When the glider comes to a stop, the occupant mayleave or be removed from the device.

As will be discussed below, aspects of the present invention may be usedin connection with a multitude of commonly known products. The aspectsof the present invention provide an additional dimension to each ofthese products so as to further calm, soothe, entertain an occupantseated on the glider.

For example, aspects of the present invention may be applied to a cradle300 as shown in FIG. 23. In such case, the bed portion 302 of the cradle300 may be attached to a frame 304 accordingly to aspects of the presentinvention. The frame 304 could have a variety of configurations tosupport and impart gliding motion on the cradle. For example, the frame304 could include a pair of opposing side bar members 305, each beingcurved backwardly and upward at one end (such as is shown in FIG. 16)for attachment to the bed 302 of the cradle 300. Alternatively, the sidebar members 305 may be curved at the opposite end as well (such as isshown in FIG. 17) for further engagement with and support of the cradle300. Such a design would be advantageous over conventional cradledesigns because it would remove the A-frame support that may be used inconnection with cradles. Thus, a parent may view and have access to achild in the cradle without any obstruction from an A-frame. Any of thepreviously-mentioned aspects of the present invention includingmotorized features 306 could be applied.

Aspects of the present invention may further be applied a bouncer 320,as shown in FIG. 24. The bouncer 322 includes a seat which may beconnected to frame bar members 324 by connectors 326. Alternatively, aportion of the seat 322 may be formed by a part of the frame bar members324 as discussed earlier. In the shown device, a control unit 328 may beprovided to, at a minimum, selectively switch between bouncing andgliding modes of operation. In addition, a housing 330 may be providedto house at least a portion of the frame.

As shown in FIG. 25, aspects of the present invention may further beincorporated into high chairs 350. Children often become sleepy aftereating. By applying aspects of the present invention to a high chair350, a parent may recline the chair and activate the glider whethermanually or by the control mechanism. The frame 352 may be generallydisposed between the leg structure 354 of the high chair and the chairportion 356 of the high chair. The frame 352 may comprise, for example,two rod members 358 bent upwardly at both ends (see FIG. 17) of each ofthe side rod members so as to supportingly receive the chair. Accordingto aspect of the invention, the rod members 358 may have wheels (notshown) for sliding on a provided surface (not shown) to create thegliding effect.

Another common child product that may incorporate aspects of the presentinvention is a rocker 370. As shown in FIG. 26, the rocker 370 mayinclude a seat portion 372 suspended above the base housing 374 by framemembers 376. The frame members 376 may be rounded along their middleportion between the each of its upwardly curved ends 378, 380 (anexample of which is shown in FIG. 18). For a baby, the rocker 370 mayhave a motorized gliding action; for a toddler, the glider may be freewheeled.

Beyond child products, the present invention may be applied to productsused by one or more individuals irrespective of age. For example,aspects of the invention may be applied to outdoor and indoor furnitureproducts such as porch or patio gliders or indoor couches. Taking acouch as an example, the frame may attach to the couch in any of theabove described manners. Depending on the size and weight of the couchand any expected user load, the frame may have two or more rods members122 to provide the requisite support.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific details described herein, which are given by way of exampleonly, and that various modifications and alterations are possible withinthe scope of the invention.

1. A glider comprising: a seat and a frame connected to the seat forsupporting the seat; at least one wheel member connected to the frame;and a base surface that is engaged by the wheels, wherein the basesurface and the wheels have generally corresponding configurations so asto produce a back and forth gliding motion within a predefined movementrange as the wheels roll on the base surface when the glider is subjectto a movement force.
 2. The glider of claim 1, further comprising amechanism that ensures that the glider returns to a central position inits movement range once the movement force has been removed.
 3. Theglider of claim 1, wherein the base surface includes at least one curvedtrack.
 4. The glider of claim 3, wherein the curved track is lower atthe central position of the movement range of the glider than at ends ofthe track.
 5. The glider of claim 3, wherein the curved track is in ashape of an arc that is a portion of an elliptical, circular, parabolicor hyperbolic curve.
 6. The glider of claim 1, wherein the base surfaceincludes at least one straight track.
 7. The glider of claim 1, whereinthe wheels have a rolling surface comprising a non-circular curvedshape.
 8. The glider of claim 7, wherein the curved shape of the wheelsincludes an arc that is a portion of an elliptical, parabolic orhyperbolic curve.
 9. The glider of claim 1, further comprising means toprovide the movement force to at least two wheel members, one located oneither side of the glider.
 10. The glider of claim 1, wherein the gliderincludes at least two wheels on opposite sides of the base surface andfurther comprising at least one connecting rod connecting the at leasttwo wheels.
 11. The glider of claim 1, wherein the mechanism forreturning the glider to a central position includes a gear mechanism.12. The glider of claim 11, wherein the gear mechanism includes a cycleswitch to cut off power to the glider from a power source.
 13. Theglider of claim 1, wherein the mechanism for returning the glider to acentral position includes a self-centering linkage.
 14. The glider ofclaim 13, wherein the self-centering linkage comprises a centeringspring.
 15. The glider of claim 1, wherein the movement force isprovided by a motor.
 16. The glider of claim 15, wherein the movementforce may be supplied by the motor when the motor is switched on and maybe supplied manually by a user when the motor is switched off.
 17. Theglider of claim 1, wherein at least one of a bouncing and a vibratorymotion is imparted to the seat at the same time as the gliding motion isimparted.